Youth and the nones

A challenge to the study and understanding of religious freedom today

Abstract

This article explores the shifting landscape of religious freedom, focusing on the growing population of religiously unaffiliated individuals, or “nones.” It delves into the complexities of this diverse group, which extends beyond atheism to include a range of beliefs and practices. The article highlights the legal and social challenges nones face, particularly the lack of recognition and accommodation within existing religious freedom frameworks. It also examines how inadequate research methodologies contribute to the misrepresentation of nones in policy and public discourse. The article advocates for more inclusive policies and educational efforts to protect the religious autonomy of this group.